“Walk Like A Man”
Bobby Martin was born on November 3, 1987, with a condition deemed by medical experts as “caudal regression syndrome” that left him with no legs.
Despite his condition and using no prosthetics, Bobby went on to receive critical acclaim nationally for his athletic accomplishments on the high school gridiron. Bobby’s story transcends America’s most popular sport. It is about his desire and perseverance to overcome obstacles, and achieve what few thought was physically possible.
At the age of 2, Bobby’s father left him to be raised by his mother, Gloria in a tiny, one story home in the inner city of Dayton, Ohio. Things were tough, but Bobby received much love and support from his mother and two older brothers.
Bright and energetic, Bobby learned to get around independently. Often walking on his hands he displayed exceptional coordination, and the tenacity to compete. Told he wouldn’t be able to play organized sports, Bobby participated in street pick-up games.
Entering his teen years, Bobby got involved with the wrong crowd and found himself in trouble much of the time. Switching high schools, he was immediately befriended by his new principal, athletic personnel and entire student body.
Bobby’s drug of choice was now adrenalin, and the gang he joined was the football team. Many students initially questioned his decision, but once they saw his dedication in the weight room and on the practice field, they quickly jumped on the bandwagon. The gold and emerald green jersey that bore #99 was proof of Bobby’s commitment to his new brotherhood. More importantly, it gave him an identity.
Playing football leveled life’s playing field for Bobby. On this turf, all players are alike and share a common love, football. The coaches didn’t show Bobby pity, they showed him opportunity. Using his quickness and low proximity to the ground, they utilized him at nose-tackle.
At first, the grueling work ethic caused much strain on Bobby’s shoulders and arms. As his muscles and calloused hands improved, so did his confidence. His speed in the 40-yard dash improved drastically, enabling him to many times outrun linemen on his and opposing teams.
Bobby first made the JV squad then was promoted to Varsity. His first action under the big lights was on special teams. Facing 4th and 1, the opposing team went into punt formation. Seeing Bobby scurry onto the field and line up opposite the center, the punter took the snap and ran up the middle. Just as it appeared that he would make the first down, Bobby brought him down with a solo tackle short of the line of scrimmage.
Knowing the importance of the play, Bobby danced in celebration. His teammates joined him as the crowd jubilantly welcomed their newest hometown sensation with applause.
The celebrating ceased the following week on September 16, 2005. It was at halftime of this game, referees informed Bobby that he was ineligible to play during the second half. The official’s explanation, “he needed to be wearing shoes.” Shocked, Bobby’s defensive coach, Kerry Ivy, mockingly tied a pair of spikes around Bobby’s waist. No dice. Bobby needed pads as well. The decision stood.
For the first time in his life Bobby actually felt handicapped. He wept bitterly. Bobby’s coaches, teammates, cheerleaders, family and friends felt his pain. They attempted to comfort Bobby by telling him that this matter would be cleared up and he’d be back on the playing field next week.
Word of Bobby’s fight to play football soon became national news with all forms of media interested in telling his courageous story. Bobby made numerous appearances, including “The Best Damn Sports Show” and even got a call from Oprah’s producers. Sports Illustrated and USA also gave honorable mentions. Even radio jocks gave him tribute. Well, that is all except one. A certain local sports talk show host later recanted his statement about “Bobby not belonging on the field” and personally wanted to make amends. Bobby’s reply, “okay, tell him to put on the pads and meet me on the field.”
The next time Bobby suited-up was for an away game at a rival (predominately white) school. Instead of racial slurs and bitterness from the stands, Bobby was given deafening applause and later honored by the opposing team with Superman decals that are only given out for a player’s exemplary performance on the field. The referees also offered a handshake in appreciation of his efforts.
Bobby didn’t just do something spectacular for one play, or one game. No, he incredibly finished the season with 41 assisted tackles, 7 solo tackles, 3 sacks (6 hurries), and a fumble recovery. Though his stats were impressive, Bobby will be most remembered for his contribution in empowering all who experienced his inspiring story.
Sidebar:
Prosthetics only hindered Bobby. Money was tight, so Bobby was given an antiquated wheelchair that he refused to use. Too poor to afford a new one, Bobby took to riding a skateboard. Reading of Bobby’s inspiring story, inmates at a nearby prison made a specially designed skateboard and donated it to him.
One of the most outgoing and popular guys in his class, Bobby was selected as one of the five finalists for homecoming’s “King of the Court.” Doing a quick change at half time of his team’s football game, Bobby donned a sport coat and won the award. After a quick acceptance speech, it was back to business as usual on the playing field.
Talk about courage. It takes guts to tackle a 200-pound plus human being exploding toward the line of scrimmage. Consider for a moment that most everyone Bobby comes into contact with he’s looking up at. Conversely, they’re looking down at him.
With faith as his cornerstone, Bobby has aspirations of becoming a leader in the black community. He is motivated by success stories of Richard Parsons, Robert Johnson and Oprah Winfrey.
In a school that had to deal with drugs, weapons and gang relations on a daily basis, Bobby became a symbol of inspiration, peace and hope. His leadership unified an entire high school football conference and helped people understand the game of football is about brotherhood.
Proud of his heritage and culture, Bobby refused to be a slave to his physical condition. He mended racial fences, and often spoke out against gang violence and drug use.
Bobby quote:
“My coaches and my teammates taught me, that once I put that Jersey on, to hold my head up and walk like a man, like a football player. Because once you take that field, that’s what you are. And we’re all equal out here. No prejudice, just pride.”
*Bobby won the 2006 ESPY “Best Athlete with a Disability” and the ARETE courage award (only a handful of athletes have won both). During the ESPYs Bobby was befriended by LeBron James and many other star athletes who were moved by his story.
*Bobby was presented the 2006 "Rising Star" award from the Physically Challenged Athletes Association, and the 2006 Presidents "Courage" award" from the Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame.
*Bobby serves as Ambassador for the “POP WARNER” Challenger program.
Wanting to further both his education and football career, Bobby enrolled at Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) and made the football team as a walk-on. Due to lacking the appropriate high school academic prerequisites, Bobby was forced to red shirt and forgo his freshmen year.
Disappointed, but undeterred, Bobby used this minor setback as motivation to start the Bobby Martin Foundation. His mission is to provide impoverished children from inner cities across America the opportunity to improve their literacy through reading and retention programs.
Due to financial considerations, Bobby relocated to Mentor (Ohio) in the summer of 2007 to refocus and train for his dream of playing professional football in the Arena league, Canada, or the NFL.
Soon after his arrival, Bobby learned of tryouts for the North Coast Vikings (semi-pro) football team of the NAFL. After holding his own in full pad scrimmages, Bobby quickly won the respect and hearts of his new teammates and was selected as one of the TEAM CAPTAINS.
Playing at nose tackle in the rugged Lake Erie Division, Bobby was also a regular on special teams (both punts & kickoffs) and even featured as a blocking back (where he was awarded the team sledgehammer for his crushing hit of a would be tackler).
Bobby finished his stellar NAFL rookie season with 35 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 pressures, a fumble recovery, and was selected as CO-MVP of his team.
Continuing to pursue his dream to play professional football, Bobby was given a private tryout March 12-13 (08) by the Cleveland Gladiators (Arena League). Though impressive in team drills and workouts, Bobby realized that in order to reach his ultimate goal and compete with the world’s most elite players, he must somehow step it up a notch.
Should Bobby be successful in his quest against able-bodied competitors, it most assuredly would be an unprecedented accomplishment in professional sports history.
In any case, Bobby’s legacy has already left an indelible mark so unique in our universe that he proves you don’t need feet to leave a footprint in life’s journey.
Outside the lines and rigorous training schedule, Bobby continues to raise money for his foundation and travels the country as a motivational speaker providing valuable insight to those who are seeking to overcome their own personal obstacles.
Bobby is currently writing the autobiographical accounts of his amazing experiences. A fall 2009 release date is expected.
Bobby Martin was born on November 3, 1987, with a condition deemed by medical experts as “caudal regression syndrome” that left him with no legs.
Despite his condition and using no prosthetics, Bobby went on to receive critical acclaim nationally for his athletic accomplishments on the high school gridiron. Bobby’s story transcends America’s most popular sport. It is about his desire and perseverance to overcome obstacles, and achieve what few thought was physically possible.
At the age of 2, Bobby’s father left him to be raised by his mother, Gloria in a tiny, one story home in the inner city of Dayton, Ohio. Things were tough, but Bobby received much love and support from his mother and two older brothers.
Bright and energetic, Bobby learned to get around independently. Often walking on his hands he displayed exceptional coordination, and the tenacity to compete. Told he wouldn’t be able to play organized sports, Bobby participated in street pick-up games.
Entering his teen years, Bobby got involved with the wrong crowd and found himself in trouble much of the time. Switching high schools, he was immediately befriended by his new principal, athletic personnel and entire student body.
Bobby’s drug of choice was now adrenalin, and the gang he joined was the football team. Many students initially questioned his decision, but once they saw his dedication in the weight room and on the practice field, they quickly jumped on the bandwagon. The gold and emerald green jersey that bore #99 was proof of Bobby’s commitment to his new brotherhood. More importantly, it gave him an identity.
Playing football leveled life’s playing field for Bobby. On this turf, all players are alike and share a common love, football. The coaches didn’t show Bobby pity, they showed him opportunity. Using his quickness and low proximity to the ground, they utilized him at nose-tackle.
At first, the grueling work ethic caused much strain on Bobby’s shoulders and arms. As his muscles and calloused hands improved, so did his confidence. His speed in the 40-yard dash improved drastically, enabling him to many times outrun linemen on his and opposing teams.
Bobby first made the JV squad then was promoted to Varsity. His first action under the big lights was on special teams. Facing 4th and 1, the opposing team went into punt formation. Seeing Bobby scurry onto the field and line up opposite the center, the punter took the snap and ran up the middle. Just as it appeared that he would make the first down, Bobby brought him down with a solo tackle short of the line of scrimmage.
Knowing the importance of the play, Bobby danced in celebration. His teammates joined him as the crowd jubilantly welcomed their newest hometown sensation with applause.
The celebrating ceased the following week on September 16, 2005. It was at halftime of this game, referees informed Bobby that he was ineligible to play during the second half. The official’s explanation, “he needed to be wearing shoes.” Shocked, Bobby’s defensive coach, Kerry Ivy, mockingly tied a pair of spikes around Bobby’s waist. No dice. Bobby needed pads as well. The decision stood.
For the first time in his life Bobby actually felt handicapped. He wept bitterly. Bobby’s coaches, teammates, cheerleaders, family and friends felt his pain. They attempted to comfort Bobby by telling him that this matter would be cleared up and he’d be back on the playing field next week.
Word of Bobby’s fight to play football soon became national news with all forms of media interested in telling his courageous story. Bobby made numerous appearances, including “The Best Damn Sports Show” and even got a call from Oprah’s producers. Sports Illustrated and USA also gave honorable mentions. Even radio jocks gave him tribute. Well, that is all except one. A certain local sports talk show host later recanted his statement about “Bobby not belonging on the field” and personally wanted to make amends. Bobby’s reply, “okay, tell him to put on the pads and meet me on the field.”
The next time Bobby suited-up was for an away game at a rival (predominately white) school. Instead of racial slurs and bitterness from the stands, Bobby was given deafening applause and later honored by the opposing team with Superman decals that are only given out for a player’s exemplary performance on the field. The referees also offered a handshake in appreciation of his efforts.
Bobby didn’t just do something spectacular for one play, or one game. No, he incredibly finished the season with 41 assisted tackles, 7 solo tackles, 3 sacks (6 hurries), and a fumble recovery. Though his stats were impressive, Bobby will be most remembered for his contribution in empowering all who experienced his inspiring story.
Sidebar:
Prosthetics only hindered Bobby. Money was tight, so Bobby was given an antiquated wheelchair that he refused to use. Too poor to afford a new one, Bobby took to riding a skateboard. Reading of Bobby’s inspiring story, inmates at a nearby prison made a specially designed skateboard and donated it to him.
One of the most outgoing and popular guys in his class, Bobby was selected as one of the five finalists for homecoming’s “King of the Court.” Doing a quick change at half time of his team’s football game, Bobby donned a sport coat and won the award. After a quick acceptance speech, it was back to business as usual on the playing field.
Talk about courage. It takes guts to tackle a 200-pound plus human being exploding toward the line of scrimmage. Consider for a moment that most everyone Bobby comes into contact with he’s looking up at. Conversely, they’re looking down at him.
With faith as his cornerstone, Bobby has aspirations of becoming a leader in the black community. He is motivated by success stories of Richard Parsons, Robert Johnson and Oprah Winfrey.
In a school that had to deal with drugs, weapons and gang relations on a daily basis, Bobby became a symbol of inspiration, peace and hope. His leadership unified an entire high school football conference and helped people understand the game of football is about brotherhood.
Proud of his heritage and culture, Bobby refused to be a slave to his physical condition. He mended racial fences, and often spoke out against gang violence and drug use.
Bobby quote:
“My coaches and my teammates taught me, that once I put that Jersey on, to hold my head up and walk like a man, like a football player. Because once you take that field, that’s what you are. And we’re all equal out here. No prejudice, just pride.”
*Bobby won the 2006 ESPY “Best Athlete with a Disability” and the ARETE courage award (only a handful of athletes have won both). During the ESPYs Bobby was befriended by LeBron James and many other star athletes who were moved by his story.
*Bobby was presented the 2006 "Rising Star" award from the Physically Challenged Athletes Association, and the 2006 Presidents "Courage" award" from the Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame.
*Bobby serves as Ambassador for the “POP WARNER” Challenger program.
Wanting to further both his education and football career, Bobby enrolled at Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) and made the football team as a walk-on. Due to lacking the appropriate high school academic prerequisites, Bobby was forced to red shirt and forgo his freshmen year.
Disappointed, but undeterred, Bobby used this minor setback as motivation to start the Bobby Martin Foundation. His mission is to provide impoverished children from inner cities across America the opportunity to improve their literacy through reading and retention programs.
Due to financial considerations, Bobby relocated to Mentor (Ohio) in the summer of 2007 to refocus and train for his dream of playing professional football in the Arena league, Canada, or the NFL.
Soon after his arrival, Bobby learned of tryouts for the North Coast Vikings (semi-pro) football team of the NAFL. After holding his own in full pad scrimmages, Bobby quickly won the respect and hearts of his new teammates and was selected as one of the TEAM CAPTAINS.
Playing at nose tackle in the rugged Lake Erie Division, Bobby was also a regular on special teams (both punts & kickoffs) and even featured as a blocking back (where he was awarded the team sledgehammer for his crushing hit of a would be tackler).
Bobby finished his stellar NAFL rookie season with 35 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 pressures, a fumble recovery, and was selected as CO-MVP of his team.
Continuing to pursue his dream to play professional football, Bobby was given a private tryout March 12-13 (08) by the Cleveland Gladiators (Arena League). Though impressive in team drills and workouts, Bobby realized that in order to reach his ultimate goal and compete with the world’s most elite players, he must somehow step it up a notch.
Should Bobby be successful in his quest against able-bodied competitors, it most assuredly would be an unprecedented accomplishment in professional sports history.
In any case, Bobby’s legacy has already left an indelible mark so unique in our universe that he proves you don’t need feet to leave a footprint in life’s journey.
Outside the lines and rigorous training schedule, Bobby continues to raise money for his foundation and travels the country as a motivational speaker providing valuable insight to those who are seeking to overcome their own personal obstacles.
Bobby is currently writing the autobiographical accounts of his amazing experiences. A fall 2009 release date is expected.